Does Minoxidil Work For Beard Growth?

Minoxidil has surged in popularity, not just as a hair loss treatment, but as a surprising solution for those seeking a fuller, thicker beard. Originally developed to treat high blood pressure and later used to help scalp hair regrowth, minoxidil is now gaining traction amongst men eager to boost their facial hair growth.

But what exactly is minoxidil, and why is it being used for beards? In this guide, you can find out all about minoxidil and whether or not it really works.

Minoxidil is a hair loss treatment used to treat androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. It was first introduced in the 1970s as an oral treatment for high blood pressure. However, hair growth was recorded as an unexpected side effect, leading to its development as a topical treatment for hair loss in 1987.

Today, minoxidil is widely available over the counter without a prescription as Regaine for Men or Regaine for Women. It’s believed to work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles by widening the blood vessels in the scalp. By increasing blood circulation, the hair follicles are well nourished, extending the growth phase of hair, and encouraging regrowth.

How does minoxidil work for beards?

Minoxidil works by enhancing blood flow and increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. It does this by widening the blood vessels beneath the skin. This helps to “wake up” dormant facial hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the anagen or growth phase, potentially leading to thicker, fuller facial hair over time.

While minoxidil was never originally intended for facial hair, new studies are emerging that suggest it may stimulate beard growth in some people.

One study found that when treated with 5% topical minoxidil foam, a greater hair count and density in both the beard and moustache areas can be seen, compared to someone not using minoxidil.

However, more scientific evidence is needed to prove whether minoxidil is effective for stimulating beard growth.

If you choose to use minoxidil on your beard, research shows that the 5% topical minoxidil solution is associated with better patient satisfaction than the 2% solution. Both are superior to placebo for the treatment of male or female pattern baldness of the scalp.

Minoxidil is currently only available for hair growth on the scalp. If you want to use it on your beard, consider speaking to a doctor before doing so, as it’s not known what side effects could occur by using it on the skin of your face.

Here’s how to apply minoxidil for beard growth:

1. Apply minoxidil twice a day to the affected area, once in the morning and once in the evening. Massage it into your beard for at least 30 seconds to increase absorption.
2. You’ll need to use minoxidil consistently for at least 6 to 12 months to see noticeable results. Missing or skipping doses can affect your hair growth progress.
3. Consider combining minoxidil therapy with other hair growth treatments, a beard care routine, and a healthy lifestyle for greater results.

Tips for general beard care

Whether you’re growing a beard naturally or with the help of minoxidil, a good care routine can make a big difference to how your facial hair looks and feels. Here are some essential tips:

• Keep your beard clean – wash your beard regularly with a gentle cleanser or beard shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and hair product buildup and prevent clogged pores and skin irritation
• Moisturise daily – keeping your skin hydrated is crucial for healthy hair growth, so use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser or a nourishing beard oil to keep your skin and beard soft and conditioned
• Exfoliate regularly – exfoliating your skin once or twice a week will help to remove dead skin cells, prevent ingrown hairs, and keep the skin below your beard healthy and clear
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet – eating a balanced diet that is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can support healthy hair growth
• Avoid over-trimming – if you’re still in the growth phase, resist the urge to overstyle or shape your beard too early, and instead, allow it to grow fully
• Limit stress and get good sleep – high stress levels and a lack of sleep can negatively impact hormone balance and the hair life cycle, so we recommend prioritising rest, practising good sleep hygiene, and stress management

Using minoxidil for beard growth is a slow and steady process, so it’s important to manage your expectations. Results vary from person to person, and research that specifically focuses on facial hair is limited compared to scalp-based studies.

One study published in The Journal of Dermatology found:

• men using minoxidil 3% solution showed increased facial hair count after 4 months
• photographic assessments confirmed increases in beard density (thickness)
• minoxidil 3% solution was shown to be safe and well-tolerated for facial hair growth

Some evidence published online suggests that minoxidil can increase overall beard density, stimulate hair growth in people with minimal facial hair, and support consistent beard growth. However, this is not scientifically evidenced and is based on observations and opinions of people who have used minoxidil for beard growth.

What happens if you stop using minoxidil?

Stopping minoxidil will typically lead to a return of hair loss or the growth patterns you observed before treatment. The hair growth you achieve with minoxidil is not permanent and requires consistent use for it to remain effective. That’s because once you stop treatment, your natural hair growth cycle resumes.

Like all medications, minoxidil can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. It is important to understand the potential side effects of minoxidil, what to look out for, and when you should stop using it.

Common minoxidil side effects include:

• headache
• itching or dermatitis
• unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body

Uncommon side effects include:

• feeling sick (nausea)

Rare side effects include:

• changes in hair texture

Other minoxidil side effects that have been reported include:

• depressed mood
• eye irritation
• being sick (vomiting)
• scalp irritation
• acne-like rash
• temporary hair loss
• change in hair colour

To reduce the risk of side effects, you should do a patch test 24 to 48 hours before you intend to use minoxidil.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should stop using minoxidil and call 999:

• chest pain
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience any of the following, you should stop using minoxidil and contact your doctor for advice:

• allergic reactions
• low blood pressure
• fast heartbeat or palpitations
• fainting or dizziness
• swollen hands or feet
• sudden unexplained weight gain
• persistent local redness or rash

Minoxidil is not the only beard growth method available, so it is important to do your research to find the best method or combination of methods to suit you and your needs. From natural supplements to grooming products, here’s how minoxidil measures up against other popular approaches:

Minoxidil has gained popularity for beard growth because of its ability to promote blood flow and stimulate hair growth in male and female pattern baldness.

Some word-of-mouth evidence suggests that minoxidil can improve the appearance of beards, making them fuller and thicker after several months. One study reported an improvement in facial hair count after 4 months.

However, results can vary, and side effects can include headaches, dryness, itching, and even temporary hair loss. Plus, minoxidil has not been clinically approved for use on facial hair or to promote beard growth, and is used off-label for this purpose.

Men with patchy or slow-growing beards may benefit most, but we recommend doing a patch test before committing to a regular routine with minoxidil for beard growth.